acoustic elec vs acoustic/mic

[jetfixer03]

I'm just starting to get my computer set up to try some recording, haven't done any yet. I'm shopping for a new acoustic guitar I'm wondering if the prefered method for recording is to use an elec acoustic, or mic. My thinking is that with an elec acoustic I would have the option for either, but I was wondering what the conventional wisdom was.

Also, if anyone wants to throw out favorite suggestions for an elec acoustic for $500 ish, I'd love to hear it. I just play at home, and I'm looking for something slim-line with a cut-out. ( naturally it has to be very cool looking!!) Has anyone messed with one of the Ibanez Masa SX72's with the magnetic pick up?...Looks interesting. If I wanted to blow the budget, the Steve Via EP7 makes me drool.

Thanks guys!

 

[Light]

For recording, use a mic. For live, use a guitar with a pickup.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

 

[A GUY NAMED JON]

Get one with a pickup in it then record both ways, see which one you like better, or record both ways and mix them together.

 

[gmiller1122]

For recording, use a mic. For live, use a guitar with a pickup.

I agree. While my pickup sounds nice and full live, it sounds tinny recorded. I prefer the mic for recording, too.

G

 

[Red_House]

But if you are recording an acoustic guitar by mic, you'll need a really good mic to bring out the acoustic sound. I use a vocal mic for acoustics, but it just doesn't have the quality that a compression mic does for recording acoustic guitar. In my opinion I would go electric acoustic. Plus if you ever want to play live you almost need an electric acoustic because you can move around with it. Micing the guitar live you have to basically stand in the same place the whole evening.

 

[liveforever]

Try out an alvarez Aj-60 ( i believe thats what it is)

Great acoustic sound, but it is an acoustic electric. Electronics are decent but I'm sure you'll be impressed with the sound. Plus...its $399 at most stores. Also, the Epiphone Jumbo acoustic electric is really nice. Electronics are crap however, but sound good while they're there.

 

[guido #2]

The most simple of answers:
Mic it for the best, most real sound.
Plug it in for speed and economy.
Try it both ways and decide for yourself - you WILL notice a drastic difference.

Never heard of a "compression mic", RH.

 

[joekodiak]

I like my Takamine EAN15C. I record direct and a mic and mix the two together.

 

[TexRoadkill]

The Larivee D03E is a pretty sweet guitar but a little out of your price range. You might look for a used one.

 

[philboyd studge]

I like my Takamine EAN15C. I record direct and a mic and mix the two together.

Takamines tend to have pretty good sounding electronics and for recording it's not a bad idea to try a blend of it plugged in with a mic. Just plugged in though it'll still sound awful like every other acoustic/electric.

 

[JMarcomb]

blending the direct with a mic is nice.


Ive also heard really nice things with room mic/guitar mic/ and contact mic combinations..

the only way is to play around with anything you can think of..... somebody was even messing aroung with tissue, some how, with a classical